Share this:

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Reche Caldwell was arrested and charged in connection with an illegal gambling operation in Tampa Bay over the weekend.

Caldwell, 34, was among eight men arrested in an illegal gambling sting by Tampa police on Sunday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He was listed as one of three leaders of the group by police. Caldwell was released on $4,000 bail on Monday morning.

A second-round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2002 (48th overall), Caldwell spent six seasons in the NFL, playing with the Chargers (2002-2005), Patriots (2006) and Washington Redskins (2007). He spent the 2008 preseason with the St. Louis Rams, but he was cut before the start of the regular season.

Caldwell’s best season as a pro came with the Patriots, when he led the team with 61 receptions, 760 yards and four touchdowns. He played a big role in the Patriots’ trip to the AFC Championship Game that postseason, catching 16 passes for 176 yards and one score in the playoffs.

During his six-year career, Caldwell caught 152 passes for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. His brother Andre Caldwell is a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos.